US20200313604A1 - Solar panel mounting apparatus - Google Patents
Solar panel mounting apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20200313604A1 US20200313604A1 US16/837,946 US202016837946A US2020313604A1 US 20200313604 A1 US20200313604 A1 US 20200313604A1 US 202016837946 A US202016837946 A US 202016837946A US 2020313604 A1 US2020313604 A1 US 2020313604A1
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 8
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- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004512 die casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910001256 stainless steel alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S30/00—Structural details of PV modules other than those related to light conversion
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/065—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using screw-thread elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/20—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/22—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material
- F16B2/24—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal
- F16B2/241—Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening of resilient material, e.g. rubbery material of metal of sheet metal
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0685—Joining sheets or plates to strips or bars
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
- F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/63—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules for fixing modules or their peripheral frames to supporting elements
- F24S25/634—Clamps; Clips
- F24S25/636—Clamps; Clips clamping by screw-threaded elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/70—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules with means for adjusting the final position or orientation of supporting elements in relation to each other or to a mounting surface; with means for compensating mounting tolerances
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02S—GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER BY CONVERSION OF INFRARED RADIATION, VISIBLE LIGHT OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT, e.g. USING PHOTOVOLTAIC [PV] MODULES
- H02S20/00—Supporting structures for PV modules
- H02S20/20—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object
- H02S20/22—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings
- H02S20/23—Supporting structures directly fixed to an immovable object specially adapted for buildings specially adapted for roof structures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/6007—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using form-fitting connection means, e.g. tongue and groove
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S25/60—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/6008—Fixation means, e.g. fasteners, specially adapted for supporting solar heat collector modules by using toothed elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
- F24S25/00—Arrangement of stationary mountings or supports for solar heat collector modules
- F24S2025/80—Special profiles
- F24S2025/801—Special profiles having hollow parts with closed cross-section
Definitions
- PV modules i.e., solar panels
- frame heights thinnesses
- PV modules may be thinner or thicker than the aforementioned range.
- PV modules may be mounted to a roof of a house, a building, and/or other structures, or may even be mounted to a foundation surface.
- a specific PV module mounting apparatus may be used to mount the PV module to a structure. Such a mounting apparatus may be selected based at least in part on the thickness of the PV module.
- FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 4 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 5 shows an elevation front view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 6 shows an elevation side perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 7A shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 7B shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 8 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 9 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 10 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 11 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 12 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 13 shows a detailed elevation side view of a bonding pin assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 14 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 15 shows a detailed elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 16 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 17 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 18 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 19 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 20 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 21 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 22 shows an isometric perspective view of a slider channel, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 23 shows a top view of a slider channel, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 24 shows an elevation end view of a slider channel, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 25 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 26 shows an isometric perspective view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 27 shows a top view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 28 shows an isometric perspective view of a spring, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 29 shows an isometric perspective view of a washer, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 30 shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 31 shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 32 shows a rotated elevation side view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 33 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. B-B) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 34 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. A-A) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 35 shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 36 shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 37 shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 38A shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 38B shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 39 shows top view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 40 shows bottom view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 41 shows an isometric perspective view of a cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 42 shows an isometric perspective view of a cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 43A shows an elevation side view of a cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 43B shows an elevation side view of a cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 44 shows a top view of a cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 45 shows an elevation front view of a cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 46 shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 47 shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 48 shows an elevation side view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 49 shows a top view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 50 shows an elevation rear view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 51 shows an isometric perspective view of an electrical bonding pin, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 52 shows an elevation side view of an electrical bonding pin, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 53 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 54 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 55 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 56 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 57 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 58 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 59A shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 59B shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 60 shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 61 shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 62 shows an elevation end view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 63 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 64 shows an elevation end view of an extended base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 65 shows an elevation end view of an extended base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 66 shows top view of an extended base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 67 shows an elevation side view of an extended base, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 68 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 69 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 70 shows an elevation side view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 71 shows a top view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 72 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 73 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 74 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 75 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 76 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 77 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 78 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 79 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 80 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 81 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 82 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 83 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 84 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 85 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 86 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 87 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 88 shows a detailed elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 89 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 90 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 91 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 92 shows an elevation backside view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 93 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 94 shows of an isometric perspective extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- FIGS. 95A-D each show elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment.
- FIGS. 96A-B each show elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 97 shows an isometric perspective view of an anti-rotation clip, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 98 shows multiple views of the anti-rotation clip of FIG. 97 .
- This disclosure describes structures and methods for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules (i.e., solar panels) to a roof of a house, building, or other structure, using components made of stainless steel and/or aluminum alloys (which may be anodized).
- this disclosure is directed to rail-less mounting assemblies, with indexable vertical height adjustment capabilities, for attaching solar panels to a roof.
- a catch/secure arrangement may be used to hold one or more solar panels in an array.
- a height adjustment bolt may be used to adjust the vertical height of the solar panels before, or after, installation.
- a “Click-On” tower attachment scheme may be used to attach the rail-less mounting assembly to a slider channel, which is lag screwed to the roof.
- the module mounting assembly may be configured to adjust the height of the mount's attachment point above the roof surface in a continuous manner over a wide range (approximately 28 mm), so as to accommodate non-uniformities, undulations, or waviness in the roof's surface. Such a feature gives the entire array of installed solar panels a smooth and flat appearance when viewed from a distance.
- the module mounting assembly may be configured to adjust the solar panel's height above the roof after the panels have been installed (i.e., post-installation height adjustment capability).
- the module mounting assembly may be indexable, meaning that the module mounting assembly may accommodate solar panel frames having varying thicknesses by the adjustability of the module mounting assembly.
- the module mounting assembly may be easily adjusted across a wide range of thicknesses in discrete (non-continuous) increments of about 2.9 mm per increment of adjustment. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the module mounting assembly may be indexable in any discrete increments greater than or less than about 2.9 mm. Furthermore, the module mounting apparatus may be adjusted across a wide range within discrete increments in solar panel frame thickness of about 2 to 3 mm per increment (e.g., a subset of 30, 33, 36, 39, 42 mm thick would be a 3 mm increment in thickness).
- the module mounting assembly may use a “Click-On” attachment feature for attaching the indexable mounts to a slider bar or channel (see, for example, FIG. 1 ) which is described in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/659,038 filed Jul. 25, 2017, entitled “Click-On Tower and L-Foot Mount for Attaching Solar Panels to a Roof”, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- the upper bracket (cap), lower bracket (base), and tower bracket (tower) may be made of metallic extrusions (e.g., of aluminum alloy).
- Other components may be made by die-casting or 3-D additive printing, where appropriate.
- FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 (also referred to as “a catching bolt”) that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby stabilizing cap 4 relative to clamping bolt 1 .
- spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end and clips onto the vertical leg 78 of the cap 4 , such that the spring clip 5 maintains a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- Base 6 includes an electrical bonding pin 2 (also referred to herein as a “bonding pin”) disposed in a horizontal groove.
- Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 2 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of cap 4 against clamping bolt 1 and base 6 , unless acted upon by a force that is sufficient to overcome a restoring force that presses the cap against the base.
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of cap 4 against clamping bolt 1 and base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.
- Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- FIG. 4 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of cap 4 against clamping bolt 1 and base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- FIG. 5 shows an elevation front view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of cap 4 against clamping bolt 1 and base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.
- Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 . Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface 13 .
- Slider channel 14 may have a hollow interior volume 23 .
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 6 shows an elevation side perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a pair of solar panels 20 and 21 in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Panel 20 is clamped on the “secure-side” of assembly 18
- panel 21 is clamped on the “catch-side” of assembly 18 .
- Tilted spring support ledge 57 on the catch-side of assembly 18 deflects downwards when solar panel 21 is installed in the opening in-between cap 4 and base 6 , which provides a restoring up force on panel 21 that forces panel 21 to make contact with the overhanging catch-side wing 76 of cap 4 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Pin 2 makes electrical contact with the anodized frame of solar panel 20 when clamped tight.
- Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface 13 .
- Tower bracket 8 , with attached assembly 18 is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 7A shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes a slot 22 for providing access for a tool to rotate height adjustment bolt 3 disposed underneath.
- Clamping bolt 1 may be seen, along with base 6 , bonding pin 2 , tower 8 , dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , horizontal attachment bolt 12 , and aperture 16 in slider 14 .
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 7B shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- the offset distance “s” may range from 1-5 mm, for example. It is to be noted that the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3 coincides with the centerline of horizontal attachment bolt 12 . (See FIG. 6 ).
- the centerline of clamping bolt 1 is offset towards the catch-side of assembly 18 .
- FIG. 8 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 9 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops 32 , 32 ′, which prevent assembly 18 from sliding off one end of slider 14 when slider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 10 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops 32 , 32 ′, which prevent assembly 18 from sliding off one end of slider 14 when slider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 , is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 11 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Slot aperture 22 in cap 4 may be seen.
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove. Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 24 that is located on the bottom surface of slider 14 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- Tower bracket 8 , with attached assembly 18 is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 12 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment. See FIG. 13 for Detail “A”, and FIG. 15 for Detail “B”.
- Base 6 may include an upper horizontal bridge portion 51 , that's connected to a lower horizontal bridge portion 50 .
- FIG. 13 shows a detailed elevation side view of a bonding pin assembly 2 , according to an embodiment.
- Bonding pin 2 is disposed through a hole in base 6 .
- Pin 2 may include a plurality of vertical knurlings (grooves) 25 disposed around an outer circumference of pin 2 .
- Pin 2 may include a plurality of sharp points 116 , that penetrate the thin, anodized coating of an aluminum frame of a solar panel.
- FIG. 14 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 may include an upper horizontal portion 51 , which has a plurality of horizontal, parallel, protruding corrugations (teeth) 26 that face outwardly from the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3 ).
- Cap 4 may include a downwardly protruding vertical leg 78 , which has a plurality of horizontal, parallel, protruding corrugations (teeth) 28 that face inwardly towards the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3 ).
- Selected teeth 28 of vertical leg 78 engage with selected teeth 26 of base 6 , depending on the particular solar panel frame thickness that is defined by the distance in-between cap 4 and base 6 .
- the height of cap 4 over base 6 i.e., panel thickness, H is easily adjusted by disengaging one set of teeth pairs (e.g., 26 + 28 ), and re-engaging a different pair of teeth (e.g., 26 ′+ 28 ) on the lower rack 51 of teeth.
- FIG. 15 shows a detailed elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 may include an upper horizontal portion 51 , which includes a plurality of protruding corrugations (teeth) 26 that face outwardly from the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3 ).
- Cap 4 may include a downwardly protruding vertical leg 78 , which has a plurality of protruding corrugations (teeth) 28 that face inwardly towards the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3 ).
- Selected teeth 28 of vertical leg 78 engage with selected teeth 26 of base 6 , depending on the particular solar panel frame thickness that is defined by the distance in-between cap 4 and base 6 .
- Lower groove 27 is disposed in-between adjacent pair of teeth 26 , 26 ′.
- the height of cap 4 over base 6 i.e., panel thickness, H is easily adjusted by disengaging one set of teeth pairs (e.g., 26 + 28 ), and re-engaging a different pair of teeth (e.g., 26 ′+ 28 ) on the lower rack 51 of teeth.
- FIG. 16 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 by pulling teeth 28 and 26 together.
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 .
- FIG. 17 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 18 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by an un-threaded aperture 31 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Slider 14 includes a pair of sidewalls 36 , 36 ′ that are integrally joined to upper horizontal bridge portion 37 (which forms the top of slider 14 ), and to lower horizontal bridge portion 38 (which forms the base of slider 14 ). Slider 14 further includes a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges 34 , 34 ′, which stabilizes slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 .
- the bottom horizontal bridge portion 88 of tower 8 is clamped down onto the upper horizontal portion 37 of slider 14 when horizontal attachment bolt 12 is tightened, because: (a) dovetail clamp 9 provides an upwards force on angled ramp 39 ′ of upper portion 37 , and/or simultaneously (b) inwardly-facing hook 104 of tower 8 provides an upwards force on angled ramp 39 on upper portion 37 .
- the bottom end of height adjustment bolt 3 may be disposed inside of an un-threaded aperture (not shown) in the bottom horizontal bridge portion 88 of tower 8 .
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 19 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by an un-threaded aperture 31 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 20 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by an un-threaded aperture 31 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 21 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by an un-threaded aperture 31 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Tower bracket 8 with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length of slider 14 prior to tightening of horizontal attachment bolt 12 .
- FIG. 22 shows an isometric perspective view of a slider channel 14 , according to an embodiment.
- Slider 14 may include a pair of sidewalls 36 , 36 ′ that are integrally joined to upper horizontal bridge portion 37 (which forms the top of slider 14 ), and to lower horizontal bridge portion 38 (which forms the base of slider 14 ).
- flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops 32 , 32 ′, which prevent assembly 18 from sliding off one end of slider 14 when slider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).
- Slider 14 further includes a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges 34 , 34 ′, which stabilizes slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 (not shown).
- FIG. 23 shows a top view of a slider channel 14 , according to an embodiment.
- Slider 14 has an un-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attaches slider 14 to an underlying roof surface.
- flanges are peened (turned) down to make stops 32 , 32 ′, which prevent assembly 18 from sliding off one end of slider 14 when slider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).
- Slider 14 further includes a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges 34 , 34 ′, which stabilizes slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 (not shown).
- FIG. 24 shows an elevation end view of a slider channel 14 , according to an embodiment.
- Slider 14 may include a pair of sidewalls 36 , 36 ′ that are integrally joined to upper horizontal bridge portion 37 (which forms the top of slider 14 ), and to lower horizontal bridge portion 38 (which forms the base of slider 14 ).
- Sidewalls 36 , 36 ′ may be perpendicular to horizontal base portion 38 , or (alternatively), sidewalls 36 , 36 ′ may be non-perpendicular to horizontal base portion 38 (e.g., splayed outwards or inwards, not shown).
- Slider 14 optionally includes a hollow interior volume 23 .
- Slider 14 may further include a pair of outwardly-extending, longitudinal base flanges 34 , 34 ′, which stabilizes slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 (not shown).
- FIG. 25 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 18 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) cap 4 and a base 6 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the (i.e.
- Base 6 includes a bonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.
- Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threaded aperture 66 in base 6 .
- Clamping bolt 1 engages threaded aperture 68 in base 6 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- FIG. 26 shows an isometric perspective view of a spring clip 5 , according to an embodiment.
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on curved end 89 , and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the straight end 81 , thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- FIG. 27 shows a top view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment.
- the spring clip 5 may include a straight segment 81 , a short segment 83 disposed at approximately a right angle to the straight segment 81 , a short segment angled at approximately 30° to the straight segment 81 , a middle segment angled at approximately 45° to straight segment 81 , and a semi-circular segment 89 disposed at the distal end of spring clip 5 .
- Spring clip 5 clips onto clamping bolt 1 on curved end 89 , and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the straight end 81 , thereby maintaining a position of the cap 4 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 6 .
- FIG. 28 shows an isometric perspective view of a coil spring 10 , according to an embodiment.
- Coil spring 10 may be replaced with a stack of Bellevue spring washers (conical spring washer, disc spring), or other elastic means for exerting a force in a direction.
- Bellevue spring washers conical spring washer, disc spring
- FIG. 29 shows an isometric perspective view of a washer 11 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 30 shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp 9 , according to an embodiment.
- Clamp 9 may include a generally-rectangular, extruded main body 41 with an un-threaded aperture 40 disposed through the main body 41 ; an angled ramp 46 disposed in a lower portion of clamp 9 ; a curved wing 44 disposed at a bottom of clamp 9 ; and an upper face 48 disposed at an upper portion of clamp 9 .
- the “dovetail” aspect of clamp 9 is represented by angled ramp 46 .
- FIG. 31 shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp 9 , according to an embodiment.
- Clamp 9 may include a generally-rectangular, extruded main body 41 with an un-threaded aperture 40 disposed through the main body 41 ; an angled ramp 46 disposed in a lower portion of clamp 9 ; a curved wing finger grip 44 disposed at a bottom of clamp 9 ; and an upper face 48 disposed at an upper portion of clamp 9 .
- the “dovetail” aspect of clamp 9 is represented by angled ramp 46 , which may be angled at approximately 45°.
- Clamp 9 may further include a recessed rectangular portion 49 , and a recessed shoulder 45 disposed inside of a larger-diameter outer aperture 42 that encompasses inner aperture 40 .
- FIG. 32 shows a rotated elevation side view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- Clamp 9 may include an aperture 40 and an angled ramp 46 and curved wing finger grip 44 .
- FIG. 33 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. B-B) a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- Clamp 9 may include a generally-rectangular, extruded main body 41 with an un-threaded aperture 40 disposed through the main body 41 ; an angled ramp 46 disposed in a lower portion of clamp 9 ; a curved wing finger grip 44 disposed at a bottom of clamp 9 ; and an upper face 48 disposed at an upper portion of clamp 9 .
- the “dovetail” aspect of clamp 9 is represented by angled ramp 46 , which may be angled at approximately 45°.
- Clamp 9 may further include a recessed rectangular portion 49 , and a recessed shoulder 45 disposed inside of a larger-diameter outer aperture 42 that encompasses inner aperture 40 .
- An end of coil spring 10 is showed schematically disposed in outer aperture 42 , resting on recessed shoulder 45 .
- FIG. 34 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. A-A) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.
- Clamp 9 further includes a recessed shoulder 45 disposed inside of a larger-diameter outer aperture 42 that encompasses inner aperture 40 .
- An end of coil spring 10 is showed schematically disposed in outer aperture 42 , sitting on recessed shoulder 45 .
- FIG. 35 shows an isometric perspective view of a base 6 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 may include an extruded main body with upper horizontal portion 51 and lower horizontal portion 50 ; integral web portions 60 and 60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges) 52 , 53 on the clamp-side of base 6 , and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side of base 6 .
- the support surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does.
- a horizontal groove 30 is disposed in-between ledges 52 and 53 , which contains an aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).
- Un-threaded aperture 66 and threaded aperture 68 are disposed through upper portion 51 .
- Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture 67 in lower portion 50 .
- Base 6 further includes extended surface 56 and angled extended surface 57 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58 .
- a plurality of corrugations 26 , 26 ′, 26 ′′, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper portion 51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper portion 51 .
- Corresponding grooves 27 , 27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth 26 , 26 ′, etc.
- Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-between solid portions 51 and 50 ; and hollow volumes 62 and 62 ′ are disposed above web segments 60 and 60 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 36 shows an isometric perspective view of a base 6 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 may include an extruded main body with upper horizontal portion 51 and lower horizontal portion 50 ; integral web portions 60 and 60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges) 52 , 53 on the secure-side of base 6 , and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side of base 6 .
- the support surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does.
- a horizontal groove 30 is disposed in-between ledges 52 and 53 , which contains an aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).
- Un-threaded aperture 66 and threaded aperture 68 are disposed through upper portion 51 .
- Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture 67 in lower portion 50 .
- Base 6 further includes extended surface 56 and angled extended surface 57 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58 .
- a plurality of protruding corrugations 26 , 26 ′, 26 ′′, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper portion 51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper portion 51 .
- Corresponding grooves 27 , 27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth 26 , 26 ′, etc.
- Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-between solid portions 51 and 50 ; and hollow volumes 62 and 62 ′ are disposed above web segments 60 and 60 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 37 shows an isometric perspective view of a base 6 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 may include an extruded main body with upper horizontal portion 51 and lower horizontal portion 50 ; integral web portions 60 and 60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges) 52 , 53 on the secure-side of base 6 , and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side of base 6 .
- the support surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does.
- a horizontal groove 30 is disposed in-between ledges 52 and 53 , which contains an aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).
- Un-threaded aperture 66 and threaded aperture 68 are disposed through upper portion 51 .
- Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture 67 in lower portion 50 .
- Base 6 further includes extended surface 56 and angled extended surface 57 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58 .
- a plurality of parallel, horizontal corrugations 26 , 26 ′, 26 ′′, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper portion 51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper portion 51 .
- Corresponding grooves 27 , 27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth 26 , 26 ′, etc.
- Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-between solid portions 51 and 50 ; and hollow volumes 62 and 62 ′ are disposed above web segments 60 and 60 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 38A shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 includes an extruded main body with upper horizontal portion 51 and lower horizontal portion 50 ; integral web portions 60 and 60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges) 52 , 53 on the secure-side of base 6 , and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side of base 6 .
- the support surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does.
- a horizontal groove 30 is disposed in-between ledges 52 and 53 , which contains an aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).
- Un-threaded aperture 66 and threaded aperture 68 are disposed through upper portion 51 .
- Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture 67 in lower portion 50 .
- Base 6 further includes extended surface 56 and angled extended surface 57 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58 .
- a plurality of corrugations 26 , 26 ′, 26 ′′, etc. are disposed on the catch-side of upper portion 51 , facing outwardly from a center of upper portion 51 .
- Corresponding grooves 27 , 27 ′ are disposed in-between adjacent teeth 26 , 26 ′, etc.
- Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-between solid portions 51 and 50 ; and hollow volumes 62 and 62 ′ are disposed above web segments 60 and 60 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 38B shows an elevation side view of a base 6 , according to an embodiment.
- catch-side tilted-up support ledge 58 acts as a cantilevered spring and deflects downwards when a solar panel 20 (not shown) is installed on the catch-side. This deflection is caused by a downwards force, F, that is applied to ledge 58 by panel 20 .
- An equal, and opposite, restoring force (not shown) is applied upwards to panel 20 by spring ledge 58 , which forces panel 20 up against the overhanging clamping wing 74 (not shown) of cap 4 .
- FIG. 39 shows top view of a base 6 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 includes an extruded main body with upper horizontal portion 51 and lower horizontal portion 50 ; integral web portions 60 and 60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges) 52 , 53 on the secure-side of base 6 , and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side of base 6 .
- the support surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does.
- a horizontal groove 30 is disposed in-between ledges 52 and 53 , which contains an aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).
- Un-threaded aperture 66 and threaded aperture 68 are disposed through upper portion 51 .
- Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with threaded aperture 67 in lower portion 50 .
- Base 6 further includes extended surface 56 and tilted extended surface 57 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58 .
- Aperture 68 is offset to the catch-side from the center of upper portion 51 of base 6 (wherein the center of portion 51 is defined as the center of aperture 66 / 67 ).
- Aperture 66 is slightly larger in diameter than aperture 66 to ensure proper clearance. Corrugation 26 may be seen.
- FIG. 40 shows bottom view of a base 6 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 6 includes an extruded main body with upper horizontal portion 51 and lower horizontal portion 50 ; integral web portions 60 and 60 ′; and generally-horizontal extended support surfaces (ledges) 52 , 53 on the secure-side of base 6 , and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side of base 6 .
- the support surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does.
- a horizontal groove 30 is disposed in-between ledges 52 and 53 , which contains an aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).
- Un-threaded aperture 66 and threaded aperture 68 are disposed through upper portion 51 .
- Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with un-threaded aperture 67 in lower portion 50 .
- Base 6 further includes extended surface 56 and angled extended surface 57 , which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58 .
- Aperture 68 is offset to the catch-side from the center of upper portion 51 of base 6 (wherein the center of portion 51 is defined as the center of aperture 66 / 67 ).
- Aperture 67 is slightly smaller in diameter than aperture 66 .
- FIG. 41 shows an isometric perspective view of a cap 4 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontal upper portion 82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, corrugations (teeth) 28 , 28 ′, 28 ′′ and corresponding grooves 29 , 29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of leg 78 .
- the size of teeth 28 get progressively larger moving down the leg 78 towards the bottom of leg 78 .
- Cap 4 includes a pair of slotted apertures 22 and 72 disposed in upper portion 82 . One aperture aligns with clamping bolt 1 , and the other aperture aligns with height adjustment bolt 3 , providing access to pass a tool through to rotate bolt 3 .
- FIG. 42 shows an isometric perspective view of a cap 4 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontal upper portion 82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 28 , 28 ′, 28 ′′ and corresponding grooves 29 , 29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of leg 78 .
- the size of teeth 28 get progressively larger moving down the leg 78 towards the bottom of leg 78 .
- Cap 4 includes a pair of slotted apertures 22 and 72 disposed in upper portion 82 . One aperture aligns with clamping bolt 1 , and the other aperture aligns with height adjustment bolt 3 , providing access to pass a tool through to rotate bolt 3 .
- FIG. 43A shows an elevation side view of a cap 4 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontal upper portion 82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 28 , 28 ′, 28 ′′ and corresponding grooves 29 , 29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of leg 78 .
- the size of teeth 28 get progressively larger moving down the leg 78 towards the bottom of leg 78 .
- Recess 84 is disposed above upper horizontal portion 82 . Ends of solar panels 20 and 21 are shown.
- FIG. 43B shows an elevation side view of a cap 4 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontal upper portion 82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 28 , 28 ′, 28 ′′ and corresponding grooves 29 , 29 ′ disposed at the bottom end of leg 78 .
- the purpose of the vertical offset distance “d” is to accommodate, and compensate for, the tilted spring ledge 57 / 58 on the catch-side of assembly 18 .
- FIG. 44 shows a top view of a cap 4 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontal upper portion 82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing 74 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing 76 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical support leg 78 .
- Cap 4 includes a pair of slotted apertures 22 and 72 disposed in upper portion 82 . One aperture aligns with clamping bolt 1 , and the other aperture aligns with height adjustment bolt 3 , providing access to pass a tool through to rotate bolt 3 .
- Slotted aperture 72 is slightly longer than slotted aperture 22 .
- FIG. 45 shows an elevation front view of a cap 4 , according to an embodiment.
- Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontal upper portion 82 ; integral overhanging catch-side wing 74 ; integral overhanging secure-side wing 76 ; and integral (downwardly-protruding) vertical support leg 78 .
- Patent virtual marking, Unirac Part Number information, and conformation information may be included. However, in embodiments, such information may be omitted from the vertical support leg 78 and/or any other component.
- FIG. 46 shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket 8 , according to an embodiment.
- Tower 8 is an extruded body, including: a lower hollow volume 96 ; and upper hollow volume 94 ; a lower horizontal portion 88 including a lower aperture 90 ; an upper horizontal portion 86 including an upper aperture 97 ; a pair of inwardly-facing wings 98 , 98 ′ disposed in-between hollow volumes 94 and 96 ; a first left-side integral sidewall 91 disposed to the left of lower hollow volume 96 ; a second left-side integral sidewall 93 disposed to the left of upper hollow volume 94 ; an first right-side integral sidewall 90 disposed to the right of lower hollow volume 96 ; a second right-side integral sidewall 92 disposed to the right of upper hollow volume 94 ; a right-side hook 104 and an inwardly-facing angled ramp 103 ; a small horizontal recess 105 disposed above hook 104 ; an outwardly-extending
- the width of tower 8 is wider at its bottom than at its top.
- the horizontal distance between inwardly-facing wings 98 and 98 ′ is sufficiently large so that height adjustment bolt 3 may pass through un-impeded.
- a third hollow volume 95 is disposed in-between wings 98 and 98 ′.
- FIG. 47 shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket 8 , according to an embodiment.
- Tower 8 is an extruded body, including: a lower hollow volume 96 ; and upper hollow volume 94 ; a lower horizontal portion 88 including a lower aperture 90 ; an upper horizontal portion 86 including an upper aperture 97 ; a pair of inwardly-facing wings 98 , 98 ′ disposed in-between hollow volumes 94 and 96 ; a first left-side integral sidewall 91 disposed to the left of lower hollow volume 96 ; a second left-side integral sidewall 93 disposed to the left of upper hollow volume 94 ; an first right-side integral sidewall 90 disposed to the right of lower hollow volume 96 ; a second right-side integral sidewall 92 disposed to the right of upper hollow volume 94 ; a right-side hook 104 and an inwardly-facing angled ramp 103 ; a small horizontal recess 105 disposed above hook 104 ; an outwardly-extending
- the width of tower 8 is wider at its bottom than at its top.
- the horizontal distance between inwardly-facing wings 98 and 98 ′ is sufficiently large so that height adjustment bolt 3 may pass through un-impeded.
- a third hollow volume 95 is disposed in-between wings 98 and 98 ′.
- FIG. 48 shows an elevation side view of a tower bracket 8 , according to an embodiment.
- Tower 8 is an extruded body, including: a lower hollow volume 96 ; and upper hollow volume 94 ; a lower horizontal portion 88 including a lower aperture 99 ; an upper horizontal portion 86 including an upper aperture 97 ; a pair of inwardly-facing wings 98 , 98 ′ disposed in-between hollow volumes 94 and 96 ; an first left-side integral sidewall 91 disposed to the left of lower hollow volume 96 ; a second left-side integral sidewall 93 disposed to the left of upper hollow volume 94 ; a first right-side integral sidewall 90 disposed to the right of lower hollow volume 96 ; a second right-side integral sidewall 92 disposed to the right of upper hollow volume 94 ; a right-side hook 104 and an inwardly-facing angled ramp 103 ; a small horizontal recess 105 disposed above hook 104 ; an outwardly-extending protru
- the width of tower 8 is wider at its bottom than at its top.
- the horizontal distance between inwardly-facing wings 98 and 98 ′ is sufficiently large so that height adjustment bolt 3 may pass through un-impeded.
- a third hollow volume 95 is disposed in-between wings 98 and 98 ′.
- FIG. 49 shows a top view of a tower bracket 8 , according to an embodiment.
- Tower 8 includes an upper horizontal portion 86 with a central aperture 97 disposed therethrough, and a first right-side integral sidewall 90 .
- FIG. 50 shows an elevation rear view of a tower bracket 8 , according to an embodiment.
- Tower 8 includes a first right-side integral sidewall 90 , and a second right-side integral sidewall 92 .
- FIG. 51 shows an isometric perspective view of an electrical bonding pin 2 , according to an embodiment.
- Pin 2 which may be made of stainless steel, is generally-cylindrical with a plurality of vertical knurlings (ridges and grooves) 112 disposed on an outer circumference of solid cylinder 110 .
- Pin 2 is swaged into hole 70 in base 6 (see FIG. 35 ).
- At the top of cylinder 110 is a horizontal disk 114 with a plurality of sharp projections 116 , 116 ′, etc. disposed on top of disk 114 .
- the diameter of disk 114 is greater than the diameter of cylinder 110 .
- the plurality of sharp projections 116 , 116 ′ may include a cylindrical protrusion that has a plurality of cuts 118 around the cylindrical protrusion that leave the plurality of sharp projections 116 , 116 ′.
- Sharp projections 116 may be ground to a sharp point or a sharp line (like a razor blade), as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 .
- Sharp projections 116 , 116 ′ may protrude approximately 0.5-1.0 mm from the surface of disk 114 .
- FIG. 52 shows an elevation side view of an electrical bonding pin 2 , according to an embodiment.
- Pin 2 which may be made of stainless steel, is generally-cylindrical with a plurality of vertical knurlings (ridges and grooves) 112 disposed on an outer circumference of solid cylinder 110 .
- Pin 2 is swaged into hole 70 in base 6 (see FIG. 35 ).
- At the top of cylinder 110 is a horizontal disk 114 with a plurality of sharp projections 116 , 116 ′, etc. disposed on top of disk 114 .
- the diameter of disk 114 is greater than the diameter of cylinder 110 .
- the plurality of sharp projections 116 , 116 ′ may include a cylindrical protrusion that has a plurality of cuts 118 around the cylindrical protrusion that leave the plurality of sharp projections 116 , 116 ′.
- Sharp projections 116 , 116 ′ may be ground to a sharp point or a sharp line (like a razor blade), as shown in FIGS. 51 and 52 .
- Sharp projections 116 , 116 ′ may protrude approximately 0.2-1.0 mm from the surface of disk 114 .
- FIG. 53 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- the assembly may include more than two clamping bolts and/or less than two clamping bolts.
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 .
- Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures in base 140 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down.
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 54 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 . Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 . Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 55 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 . Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 . Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 56 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 relative to clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 . Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 . Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 57 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 . Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 . Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 58 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 . Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 . Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 59A shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 . Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 . Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures in tower bracket 8 . Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads. Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 when bolt 12 is tightened.
- Cap 130 further includes a pair of slotted apertures 132 , 132 ′ for providing access for a hexagonal tool (not shown) to rotate height adjustment bolt 3 through apertures 132 or 132 ′, depending on the longitudinal location of the single height adjustment bolt 3 .
- FIG. 59B shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- the pair of slotted apertures 132 , 132 may optionally be replaced by a single slot 133 that goes across the entire distance in-between previous apertures 132 and 132 ′.
- FIG. 60 shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut 150 , according to an embodiment.
- Sliding nut 150 includes an extruded body 154 , including a threaded aperture 152 , and a pair of overhanging wings 158 , 158 ′ located above a pair of corners 156 , 156 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 61 shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut 150 , according to an embodiment.
- Sliding nut 150 includes an extruded body 154 , including a threaded aperture 152 , and a pair of overhanging wings 158 , 158 ′ located above a pair of corners 156 , 156 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 62 shows an elevation end view of a sliding nut 150 , according to an embodiment.
- Sliding nut 150 includes an extruded body 154 , including a threaded aperture 152 , and a pair of overhanging wings 158 , 158 ′ located above a pair of corners 156 , 156 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 63 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended base 140 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 140 includes an extruded body including a pair of threaded apertures 144 , 144 ′ for engaging a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, respectively; and a pair of threaded apertures 142 , 142 ′ for engaging a single height adjustment bolt 3 (depending on which aperture the bolt 3 is located within). All four apertures are disposed in an upper horizontal portion 146 .
- Base 140 further includes an upper horizontal hollow volume 170 , and a lower horizontal hollow volume 172 that is open on its bottom end.
- Base 140 further includes a pair of holes 70 , 70 ′ for holding electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 64 shows an elevation end view of an extended base 140 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 140 includes an extruded body including a pair of threaded apertures 144 , 144 ′ for engaging a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, respectively; and a pair of threaded apertures 142 , 142 ′ for engaging a single height adjustment bolt 3 (depending on which aperture the bolt 3 is located within). All four apertures are disposed in an upper horizontal portion 146 .
- Base 140 further includes an upper horizontal hollow volume 170 , and a lower horizontal hollow volume 172 that is open on its bottom end.
- Lower horizontal hollow volume 172 includes a pair of recesses 174 , 174 ′ and bottom shoulders 176 , 176 ′, respectively sized to match the dimensions of sliding nut 150 (with a small clearance between them).
- FIG. 65 shows an elevation end view of an extended base 140 , according to an embodiment.
- Lower horizontal hollow volume 172 includes a pair of recesses 174 , 174 ′ and bottom shoulders 176 , 176 ′, respectively sized to match the dimensions of sliding nut 150 (with a small clearance between them to allow nut 150 to slide freely in the slot 172 )
- Wings 158 , 158 ′ of nut 150 rest on shoulders 176 , 176 ′, respectively, of base 140 .
- wings 158 , 158 ′ are disposed inside of recesses 174 , 174 ′ of base 140 .
- Sliding nut 150 has a threaded aperture 152 .
- FIG. 66 shows top view of an extended base 140 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 140 includes an extruded body including a pair of threaded apertures 144 , 144 ′ for engaging a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, respectively; and a pair of threaded apertures 142 , 142 ′ for engaging a single height adjustment bolt 3 (depending on which aperture the bolt 3 is located within).
- Base 140 further includes a pair of holes 70 , 70 ′ for holding electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′, respectively.
- FIG. 67 shows an elevation side view of an extended base 140 , according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 68 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap 130 , according to an embodiment.
- Extended cap 130 includes an extruded body, including a horizontal upper portion 135 , an integral overhanging secure-side wing 138 and an integral overhanging catch-side wing 139 , an integral vertical support leg 132 , and a plurality of inwardly-facing corrugations (teeth) 28 , 28 ′ (with corresponding grooves 29 disposed in-between adjacent teeth 28 , 28 ′).
- Cap 130 includes four slotted apertures: apertures 132 , 132 ′ for accessing height adjustment bolt 3 with a hexagonal tool; and apertures 136 , 136 ′ for passing through a clamping bolt 1 , 1 ′.
- Cap 130 further includes a recess 84 disposed in-between the pair of wings 138 , 139 .
- FIG. 69 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 70 shows an elevation side view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 71 shows a top view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.
- Cap 130 includes four slotted apertures: apertures 132 , 132 ′ for accessing height adjustment bolt 3 with a hexagonal tool; and apertures 136 , 136 ′ for passing through a clamping bolt 1 , 1 ′.
- FIG. 72 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 190 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 73 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 190 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 74 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 190 , according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 75 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 76 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 .
- Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 77 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ disposed in a horizontal groove 30 .
- Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture 66 in base 140 , and engages threaded sliding nut 150 .
- Clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ engages threaded apertures 68 , 68 ′ in base 140 .
- Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 78 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Sliding nut 150 with aperture 153 for height adjustment bolt 3 , is disposed inside of slot (channel) 172 of base 140 . Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- FIG. 79 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Base 140 and tower bracket sub-assembly 8 are removed for clarity.
- Extended cap 130 is shown, along with height adjustment bolt 3 , sliding nut 150 , spring clip 5 and clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′.
- FIG. 80 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly 120 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 120 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and an extended base 140 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Base 140 is removed for clarity. Rotation of bolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down.
- Sliding nut 150 is prevented from rotating (when bolt 3 is rotated) by base 140 .
- the lower end of height adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures 99 , 97 in tower bracket 8 .
- Collar/jam nut 7 allows bolt 3 to rotate freely, but prevents bolt 3 from lifting up out of tower 8 due to wind loads.
- Dovetail clamp 9 , spring 10 , washer 11 , and horizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) when bolt 12 is tightened.
- FIG. 81 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly 200 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- the splice assembly 200 may omit a height adjustment bolt.
- the splice assembly 200 may include a height adjustment bolt and/or other mechanisms for adjusting the height of the splice assembly 200 .
- a third clamping bolt 1 ′′, is added to the middle of splice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the spliced panel assembly 200 .
- FIG. 82 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- FIG. 83 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- FIG. 84 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- FIG. 85 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- FIG. 86 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 and the base splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- FIG. 87 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes a pair of clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ that clamp a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable) extended cap 130 and a base splice 210 .
- Spring clips 5 , 5 ′ clip onto clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′ on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4 ) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the cap 130 against the clamping bolt 1 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.
- Electrical bonding pins 2 , 2 ′ are disposed in groove 30 of base splice 210 on the secure-side.
- a third clamping bolt 1 ′′, is added to the middle of splice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the spliced panel assembly 200 .
- FIG. 88 shows a detailed elevation end view (Detail “C”) of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.
- Horizontal upper portion 212 of base splice 210 includes a plurality of corrugations (teeth) 26 , 26 ′ and corresponding grooves 27 disposed in-between adjacent teeth.
- vertical leg 78 includes a plurality of corrugations (teeth) 28 , 28 ′ and corresponding grooves 29 disposed in-between adjacent teeth.
- the height, H, of the solar panel frame thickness may be easily adjusted by (1) dis-engaging the upper set of teeth 28 , 28 ′ from the lower set of teeth 26 , 26 ′; (2) increasing or decreasing the height, H; and (3) re-engaging a new set of upper and lower teeth.
- the spring clip maintains proximity of the base splice 210 corrugations 26 and 26 ′ and the vertical leg 78 corrugations 28 and 28 ′.
- the spring clip 5 exerts a restoring force on the base splice 210 and the vertical leg 78 .
- the base splice 210 and the vertical leg 78 may be separated by a force exerted on them (e.g., an installer separating them by hand and/or other means) and once that force is removed from the base splice 210 and/or the vertical leg 78 the spring clip 5 exerts a restoring force on the base splice and the vertical leg to reengage the corresponding corrugations.
- a force exerted on them e.g., an installer separating them by hand and/or other means
- FIG. 89 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice 210 , according to an embodiment.
- Base splice 210 includes an extruded body, including: a horizontal upper portion 212 connected to secure-side support ledges 220 , 231 , and connected to catch-side support ledges 228 , 218 , 216 , 214 .
- Horizontal upper portion 212 of base splice 210 includes a plurality of outwardly-facing horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 26 , 26 ′ and corresponding grooves 27 disposed in-between adjacent teeth.
- Base splice 210 further includes a horizontal bottom portion 226 that is integrally connected to sidewalls 224 , 224 ′ (which may be vertical, or slightly splayed outwards or inwards); thereby forming an enclosure with a horizontal hollow interior volume 222 .
- Sidewall 224 ′ is connected to horizontal portion 218 ; and sidewall 224 is connected to horizontal portion 220 .
- Base splice 210 may be open at both ends.
- FIG. 90 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice 210 , according to an embodiment.
- Base splice 210 includes three threaded apertures: 240 , 240 ′, 240 ′′, which engage with three clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, 1 ′′, respectively.
- Groove 30 includes a pair of holes 70 , 70 ′ for holding bonding pins 2 , 2 ′, respectively. Hollow interior volume 222 is noted.
- FIG. 91 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice assembly 200 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes: an extended cap 130 that is clamped to a base splice 210 by three clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, 1 ′′ and a pair of spring clips 5 , 5 ′.
- FIG. 92 shows an elevation backside view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly 200 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes: an extended cap 130 that is clamped to a base splice 210 by three clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, 1 ′′ and a pair of spring clips 5 , 5 ′.
- FIG. 93 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly 200 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes: an extended cap 130 that is clamped to a base splice 210 by three clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, 1 ′′; a pair of spring clips 5 , 5 ′; and a pair of bonding pins 2 , 2 ′.
- FIG. 94 shows of an isometric perspective extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly 200 , according to an embodiment.
- Assembly 200 includes: an extended cap 130 that is clamped to a base splice 210 by three clamping bolts 1 , 1 ′, 1 ′′; a pair of spring clips 5 , 5 ′; and a pair of bonding pins 2 , 2 ′.
- an attachment mechanism may include a tower with a clamp that is urged (biased) towards the center of the tower.
- a latching clamp allows the clamp+tower sub-assembly to be “Clicked-On” (i.e., latched) to a rigid bar (called a “slider bar”, “slider channel”, or simply “slider”) that is lag screwed to a roof or other support substrate.
- the tower with a hook on one side, is mounted on the slider in a three-step process. First, the tower is hooked-on to one side of the slider by engaging the hook with a first lip (flange) of the slider.
- step 2 the tower is rotated down and then “Clicked-On” to the slider by automatically pushing (sliding) the clamp outwards sufficiently far so as to clear the opposite (second) lip of the slider.
- the tower may be easily slid by hand along the length of the slider to adjust its position North/South along the slider.
- the clamp's bias mechanism (which may be a coil spring, for example) provides sufficient force, and the design of the interlocking surfaces of the clamp+tower/slider assembly, is sufficiently strong, so as to make the assembly substantially-resistant to accidental release (such as accidental contact with an installer's foot, safety ropes hanging on the roof, etc.).
- the clamp's fastener is tightened (torqued) tight, which permanently locks the tower onto the slider bar.
- the tower itself may be coupled (attached) to any type of solar panel mounting structure or mechanism that is capable of holding (mounting) one or more solar panels.
- a solar panel mounting structure may include a height-adjustable mechanism, which may be adjusted with a tool before, or after, the solar panels have been mounted.
- the clamp+tower sub-assembly may be easily removed by releasing the clamp fastener (bolt), and then simply pulling back on the biased clamp and rotating the clamp+tower subassembly back off of the slider, and finally disengaging the tower's hook from the slider.
- FIG. 95A-D shows elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism 3 , according to an embodiment.
- asymmetric tower (stanchion) 116 has been hooked onto slider bar 118 by engaging notch 127 of tower hook 122 with slider lip 129 ′ of angled (tapered/slanted) slider flange 124 ′.
- Tapered (slanted) flanges 124 and 214 ′ may have angled faces oriented at, for example, 45° to the horizontal. In this skewed position of FIG.
- upper solar panel mounting bracket 112 and lower solar panel mounting bracket 114 are attached to tower 116 .
- Solar panel fastener 113 may be used to compress upper bracket 112 and lower bracket 114 together so as to mount and securely hold one or more solar panels (not shown) to tower 116 at a later stage in the installation process.
- the upper and lower brackets 112 , 114 are made of a single, monolithic part, in which case the use of a solar panel fastener 113 may be eliminated.
- FIG. 95A also illustrates open volumes 115 and 117 , a roof surface 120 , a hollow volume 125 , and a flat washer 182 , all of which are further mentioned below.
- FIG. 95B shows an elevation view of an embodiment of the click-on tower assembly 110 in an attached position on slider 118 .
- dovetail clamp 126 is pushed back (outwards) by sliding of angled lower flange 132 against left lip 129 of slider 118 (thereby compressing spring 130 ) to increase the clearance around the slider lip 129 .
- Spring 30 (which may be a coil spring, stacked Bellevue washers, angled tab(s), leaf spring, elastic band, or any other elastic means for biasing/urging) has sufficient strength so that the clicked-on (attached) assembly 110 may withstand gravity loads and minor installation forces (such as interference with safety ropes), which is substantially resistant to accidental release.
- Flat washer 182 is placed between spring 130 and the head of horizontal fastener 128 . Additionally, indicated in FIG. 22B are the open volumes 115 and 117 , the roof surface 120 , and the hollow volume 125 .
- FIG. 95C shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower assembly 110 in a clamped and locked position on slider 118 .
- horizontal clamp fastener 128 has been tightened and torqued to a level of torque sufficient to securely and permanently clamp (attach) tower 116 to slider 118 .
- the angle of mating surface 121 of hook 122 matches the corresponding angle of the right-side mating surface 124 ′ of slider 118 ; and the angle of mating surface or slanted face 610 of dovetail clamp 126 matches the corresponding angle of left side mating surface 124 of slider 118 . Both of these two angles may be 45°, for example.
- Horizontal clamp fastener 128 may be a cap-headed bolt (e.g., cap screw) with a hexagonal socket drive. Horizontal fastener 128 may also have an unthreaded (smooth) proximal portion near the cap-head end, to make it easier for dovetail clamp 126 to slide on horizontal bolt 128 during installation.
- initial installation i.e., clicking-on
- initial installation i.e., clicking-on
- pulling back of clamp 126 by hand is not necessary because clamp 26 automatically retracts and slides when the sub-assembly is hooked-on and rotated down into the horizontal position.
- slider 118 includes a pair of bottom flanges 119 , 119 ′ that run the longitudinal length of the slider.
- the open volume 115 , the roof surface 120 , and the hollow volume 125 are also indicated in FIG. 95C .
- FIG. 95D shows a zoomed-in elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower sub-assembly 110 in an attached position on a slider 118 .
- the lower left corner of tower 116 includes a small protrusion (alignment lip) 152 which sticks out below the lower surface 181 of tower 116 .
- the purpose of lip 152 is to provide good alignment of tower 116 relative to slider 118 , and to prevent rotation out-of-plane of tower 116 relative to slider 118 , before horizontal fastener 128 may be tightened tight.
- the tapered or slanted slider flange 124 , the slider lip 129 , and a flange 180 to be discussed later are also indicated in FIG. 95D .
- FIG. 96A shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower sub-assembly 3 in a skewed position next to a slider 118 .
- Slider 118 , tower 116 , and dovetail clamp 126 may be made as machined or extruded items, which may be made from aluminum or aluminum alloys (which may be anodized black).
- the open volumes 115 and 17 , one bottom flange 119 , the tower hook 122 , the flanges 124 , 124 ′, the hollow volume 125 , the horizontal clamp fastener 128 , the lip 129 , the spring 130 , the lower flange 132 of the dovetail clamp 126 , and the flat washer 182 are also indicated in FIG. 96A .
- FIG. 96B shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-on tower assembly 3 in an attached position on a slider 118 .
- the open volumes 115 and 117 , the tower 116 , the slider 118 , one bottom flange 119 , the tower hook 122 , the tapered or slanted flanges 124 , 124 ′, the hollow volume 125 , the dovetail clamp 126 , the horizontal bolt 128 , the spring 130 , the lower flange 132 , and the flat washer 182 are also indicated in FIG. 96B .
- FIG. 97 shows an isometric perspective view of an anti-rotation clip 300 , according to an embodiment.
- the anti-rotation clip 300 prevents the base (element 6 in FIG. 1 ) from rotating with respect to the tower bracket (element 8 in FIG. 1 ) and the slider (element 14 in FIG. 1 ).
- an anti-rotation clip 300 may include a tab 302 that is shaped such that the tab 302 may be inserted into the base.
- the anti-rotation 300 clip may include two clips 304 and 306 , connected by a connecting segment, that are shaped to fit around the height adjustment bolt (element 3 in FIG. 1 ).
- the anti-rotation clip 300 may further include two u-shaped tabs 308 that are configured to engage the tower bracket (element 8 in FIG. 1 ). Additionally, in an embodiment, the anti-rotation clip 300 may include a scored or otherwise relaxed section 310 that extends across the breadth of the connecting segment between the two clips 304 , 306 .
- the relaxed section 310 may be formed by a reduced thickness of the material, scoring, or a change in material composition. In general, the relaxed section 310 allows the anti-rotation clip 300 to flex to a suitable degree, and may assist in the attachment process when connecting the clip 300 to the bolt 3 .
- the anti-rotation clip 300 prevents the base from moving relative to the tower bracket and the slider.
- FIG. 98 depicts multiple views of the anti-rotation clip 300 from various directions including: top view 300 A, isometric top front view 300 B, isometric bottom front view 300 C, front view 300 D, side view 300 E, back view 300 F, and bottom view 300 G.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to and incorporates U.S.
Provisional Patent Application 62/827,625, filed Apr. 1, 2019, entitled “Solar Panel Mounting Apparatus,” in its entirety by reference. - Photovoltaic (PV) modules (i.e., solar panels) come in a variety of frame heights (thicknesses), sometimes ranging from approximately 30 mm to 50 mm. In some examples, PV modules may be thinner or thicker than the aforementioned range. Furthermore, PV modules may be mounted to a roof of a house, a building, and/or other structures, or may even be mounted to a foundation surface. Currently, a specific PV module mounting apparatus may be used to mount the PV module to a structure. Such a mounting apparatus may be selected based at least in part on the thickness of the PV module.
- Thus, a solution is desired for a PV module mounting assembly that is easily adjustable by the installer to accommodate a wide variation in module frame thickness.
-
FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 2 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 4 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 5 shows an elevation front view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 6 shows an elevation side perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 7A shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 7B shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 8 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 9 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 10 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 11 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 12 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 13 shows a detailed elevation side view of a bonding pin assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 14 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 15 shows a detailed elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 16 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 17 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 18 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 19 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 20 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 21 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 22 shows an isometric perspective view of a slider channel, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 23 shows a top view of a slider channel, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 24 shows an elevation end view of a slider channel, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 25 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 26 shows an isometric perspective view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 27 shows a top view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 28 shows an isometric perspective view of a spring, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 29 shows an isometric perspective view of a washer, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 30 shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 31 shows an isometric perspective view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 32 shows a rotated elevation side view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 33 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. B-B) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 34 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. A-A) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 35 shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 36 shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 37 shows an isometric perspective view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 38A shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 38B shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 39 shows top view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 40 shows bottom view of a base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 41 shows an isometric perspective view of a cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 42 shows an isometric perspective view of a cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 43A shows an elevation side view of a cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 43B shows an elevation side view of a cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 44 shows a top view of a cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 45 shows an elevation front view of a cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 46 shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 47 shows an isometric perspective view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 48 shows an elevation side view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 49 shows a top view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 50 shows an elevation rear view of a tower bracket, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 51 shows an isometric perspective view of an electrical bonding pin, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 52 shows an elevation side view of an electrical bonding pin, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 53 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 54 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 55 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 56 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 57 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 58 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 59A shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 59B shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 60 shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 61 shows an isometric perspective view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 62 shows an elevation end view of a sliding nut, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 63 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 64 shows an elevation end view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 65 shows an elevation end view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 66 shows top view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 67 shows an elevation side view of an extended base, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 68 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 69 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 70 shows an elevation side view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 71 shows a top view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 72 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 73 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 74 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 75 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 76 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 77 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 78 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 79 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 80 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 81 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 82 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 83 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 84 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 85 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 86 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 87 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 88 shows a detailed elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 89 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 90 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 91 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable base splice, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 92 shows an elevation backside view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 93 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 94 shows of an isometric perspective extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 95A-D each show elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment. -
FIGS. 96A-B each show elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 97 shows an isometric perspective view of an anti-rotation clip, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 98 shows multiple views of the anti-rotation clip ofFIG. 97 . - This disclosure describes structures and methods for mounting one or more photovoltaic modules (i.e., solar panels) to a roof of a house, building, or other structure, using components made of stainless steel and/or aluminum alloys (which may be anodized). Specifically, this disclosure is directed to rail-less mounting assemblies, with indexable vertical height adjustment capabilities, for attaching solar panels to a roof. A catch/secure arrangement may be used to hold one or more solar panels in an array. A height adjustment bolt may be used to adjust the vertical height of the solar panels before, or after, installation. A “Click-On” tower attachment scheme may be used to attach the rail-less mounting assembly to a slider channel, which is lag screwed to the roof.
- In an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may be configured to adjust the height of the mount's attachment point above the roof surface in a continuous manner over a wide range (approximately 28 mm), so as to accommodate non-uniformities, undulations, or waviness in the roof's surface. Such a feature gives the entire array of installed solar panels a smooth and flat appearance when viewed from a distance. The module mounting assembly may be configured to adjust the solar panel's height above the roof after the panels have been installed (i.e., post-installation height adjustment capability). In an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may be indexable, meaning that the module mounting assembly may accommodate solar panel frames having varying thicknesses by the adjustability of the module mounting assembly. In such an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may be easily adjusted across a wide range of thicknesses in discrete (non-continuous) increments of about 2.9 mm per increment of adjustment. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the module mounting assembly may be indexable in any discrete increments greater than or less than about 2.9 mm. Furthermore, the module mounting apparatus may be adjusted across a wide range within discrete increments in solar panel frame thickness of about 2 to 3 mm per increment (e.g., a subset of 30, 33, 36, 39, 42 mm thick would be a 3 mm increment in thickness).
- In an embodiment, the module mounting assembly may use a “Click-On” attachment feature for attaching the indexable mounts to a slider bar or channel (see, for example,
FIG. 1 ) which is described in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/659,038 filed Jul. 25, 2017, entitled “Click-On Tower and L-Foot Mount for Attaching Solar Panels to a Roof”, and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. - In general, the upper bracket (cap), lower bracket (base), and tower bracket (tower) may be made of metallic extrusions (e.g., of aluminum alloy). Other components may be made by die-casting or 3-D additive printing, where appropriate.
-
FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include a clamping bolt 1 (also referred to as “a catching bolt”) that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby stabilizingcap 4 relative to clampingbolt 1. In other words,spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end and clips onto thevertical leg 78 of thecap 4, such that thespring clip 5 maintains a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6.Base 6 includes an electrical bonding pin 2 (also referred to herein as a “bonding pin”) disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 2 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position ofcap 4 against clampingbolt 1 andbase 6, unless acted upon by a force that is sufficient to overcome a restoring force that presses the cap against the base.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 3 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position ofcap 4 against clampingbolt 1 andbase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface. -
FIG. 4 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position ofcap 4 against clampingbolt 1 andbase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface. -
FIG. 5 shows an elevation front view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position ofcap 4 against clampingbolt 1 andbase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to anunderlying roof surface 13.Slider channel 14 may have a hollowinterior volume 23.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 6 shows an elevation side perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a pair ofsolar panels cap 4 and abase 6.Panel 20 is clamped on the “secure-side” ofassembly 18, andpanel 21 is clamped on the “catch-side” ofassembly 18. Tiltedspring support ledge 57 on the catch-side ofassembly 18 deflects downwards whensolar panel 21 is installed in the opening in-betweencap 4 andbase 6, which provides a restoring up force onpanel 21 thatforces panel 21 to make contact with the overhanging catch-side wing 76 ofcap 4.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position ofcap 4 against clampingbolt 1 andbase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Pin 2 makes electrical contact with the anodized frame ofsolar panel 20 when clamped tight.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to anunderlying roof surface 13.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 7A shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes aslot 22 for providing access for a tool to rotateheight adjustment bolt 3 disposed underneath. Clampingbolt 1 may be seen, along withbase 6,bonding pin 2,tower 8,dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11,horizontal attachment bolt 12, andaperture 16 inslider 14.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 7B shows a top perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. In this view, the centerline of clampingbolt 1 is offset from the center line ofheight adjustment bolt 3 by a distance=s. The offset distance “s” may range from 1-5 mm, for example. It is to be noted that the centerline ofheight adjustment bolt 3 coincides with the centerline ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. (SeeFIG. 6 ). The centerline of clampingbolt 1 is offset towards the catch-side ofassembly 18. -
FIG. 8 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 9 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface. At one distal end ofslider 14, flanges are peened (turned) down to makestops assembly 18 from sliding off one end ofslider 14 whenslider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 10 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface. At one distal end ofslider 14, flanges are peened (turned) down to makestops assembly 18 from sliding off one end ofslider 14 whenslider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 11 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Slot aperture 22 incap 4 may be seen.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 when tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 24 that is located on the bottom surface ofslider 14 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface.Tower bracket 8, with attachedassembly 18, is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 12 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. SeeFIG. 13 for Detail “A”, andFIG. 15 for Detail “B”.Base 6 may include an upperhorizontal bridge portion 51, that's connected to a lowerhorizontal bridge portion 50. -
FIG. 13 shows a detailed elevation side view of abonding pin assembly 2, according to an embodiment.Bonding pin 2 is disposed through a hole inbase 6.Pin 2 may include a plurality of vertical knurlings (grooves) 25 disposed around an outer circumference ofpin 2.Pin 2 may include a plurality ofsharp points 116, that penetrate the thin, anodized coating of an aluminum frame of a solar panel. -
FIG. 14 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Base 6 may include an upperhorizontal portion 51, which has a plurality of horizontal, parallel, protruding corrugations (teeth) 26 that face outwardly from the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3).Cap 4 may include a downwardly protrudingvertical leg 78, which has a plurality of horizontal, parallel, protruding corrugations (teeth) 28 that face inwardly towards the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3). Selectedteeth 28 ofvertical leg 78 engage with selectedteeth 26 ofbase 6, depending on the particular solar panel frame thickness that is defined by the distance in-betweencap 4 andbase 6. The height ofcap 4 over base 6 (i.e., panel thickness, H) is easily adjusted by disengaging one set of teeth pairs (e.g., 26+28), and re-engaging a different pair of teeth (e.g., 26′+28) on thelower rack 51 of teeth. -
FIG. 15 shows a detailed elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Base 6 may include an upperhorizontal portion 51, which includes a plurality of protruding corrugations (teeth) 26 that face outwardly from the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3).Cap 4 may include a downwardly protrudingvertical leg 78, which has a plurality of protruding corrugations (teeth) 28 that face inwardly towards the center of assembly 18 (as defined by the centerline of height adjustment bolt 3). Selectedteeth 28 ofvertical leg 78 engage with selectedteeth 26 ofbase 6, depending on the particular solar panel frame thickness that is defined by the distance in-betweencap 4 andbase 6.Lower groove 27 is disposed in-between adjacent pair ofteeth cap 4 over base 6 (i.e., panel thickness, H) is easily adjusted by disengaging one set of teeth pairs (e.g., 26+28), and re-engaging a different pair of teeth (e.g., 26′+28) on thelower rack 51 of teeth. -
FIG. 16 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 by pullingteeth Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 causesbase 6 and clampedcap 4 to move up or down.Teeth 28 ofsupport leg 78 ofcap 4 engages withteeth 26 ofbase 6, to define the distance, H, in-betweenclamping wings cap 4 and supportingsurfaces base 6. -
FIG. 17 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface.Tower bracket 8, with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 18 shows an elevation side view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by anun-threaded aperture 31 intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Slider 14 includes a pair ofsidewalls Slider 14 further includes a pair of outwardly-extending,longitudinal base flanges slider 14 against wind loads acting onassembly 18. The bottomhorizontal bridge portion 88 oftower 8 is clamped down onto the upperhorizontal portion 37 ofslider 14 whenhorizontal attachment bolt 12 is tightened, because: (a)dovetail clamp 9 provides an upwards force on angledramp 39′ ofupper portion 37, and/or simultaneously (b) inwardly-facinghook 104 oftower 8 provides an upwards force on angledramp 39 onupper portion 37. Optionally, the bottom end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 may be disposed inside of an un-threaded aperture (not shown) in the bottomhorizontal bridge portion 88 oftower 8.Tower bracket 8, with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 19 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by anun-threaded aperture 31 intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Tower bracket 8, with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 20 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by anun-threaded aperture 31 intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Tower bracket 8, with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 21 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by anun-threaded aperture 31 intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Tower bracket 8, with attached assembly 18 (cap 4 and base is not shown for clarity), is free to slide North-South along the longitudinal length ofslider 14 prior to tightening ofhorizontal attachment bolt 12. -
FIG. 22 shows an isometric perspective view of aslider channel 14, according to an embodiment.Slider 14 may include a pair ofsidewalls slider 14, flanges are peened (turned) down to makestops assembly 18 from sliding off one end ofslider 14 whenslider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).Slider 14 further includes a pair of outwardly-extending,longitudinal base flanges slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 (not shown). -
FIG. 23 shows a top view of aslider channel 14, according to an embodiment.Slider 14 has anun-threaded aperture 16 that provides access to install a lag screw that attachesslider 14 to an underlying roof surface. At one distal end ofslider 14, flanges are peened (turned) down to makestops assembly 18 from sliding off one end ofslider 14 whenslider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).Slider 14 further includes a pair of outwardly-extending,longitudinal base flanges slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 (not shown). -
FIG. 24 shows an elevation end view of aslider channel 14, according to an embodiment.Slider 14 may include a pair ofsidewalls Sidewalls horizontal base portion 38, or (alternatively), sidewalls 36, 36′ may be non-perpendicular to horizontal base portion 38 (e.g., splayed outwards or inwards, not shown).Slider 14 optionally includes a hollowinterior volume 23. At one distal end ofslider 14, flanges are peened (turned) down to makestops assembly 18 from sliding off one end ofslider 14 whenslider 14 is angled at a steep North-South angle to the horizontal (e.g., if installed on a steep roof).Slider 14 may further include a pair of outwardly-extending,longitudinal base flanges slider 14 against wind loads acting on assembly 18 (not shown). -
FIG. 25 shows an isometric perspective view of a rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 18, according to an embodiment.Assembly 18 may include aclamping bolt 1 that clamps a solar panel (not shown) in-between an indexable (adjustable)cap 4 and abase 6.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 on one end, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on the other end, thereby maintaining a position of the (i.e. provides a restoring force to thecap 4 such that, after separation of thecap 4 and teeth for the purpose of adjusting the height between thecap 4 andbase 6, thespring 5 restores the cap 4 (including the teeth/grooves) to engage with the base 6 (including teeth/grooves)cap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base.Base 6 includes abonding pin 2 disposed in a horizontal groove.Height adjustment bolt 3 engages threadedaperture 66 inbase 6. Clampingbolt 1 engages threadedaperture 68 inbase 6. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. -
FIG. 26 shows an isometric perspective view of aspring clip 5, according to an embodiment.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 oncurved end 89, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on thestraight end 81, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6. -
FIG. 27 shows a top view of a spring clip, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, thespring clip 5 may include astraight segment 81, ashort segment 83 disposed at approximately a right angle to thestraight segment 81, a short segment angled at approximately 30° to thestraight segment 81, a middle segment angled at approximately 45° tostraight segment 81, and asemi-circular segment 89 disposed at the distal end ofspring clip 5.Spring clip 5 clips onto clampingbolt 1 oncurved end 89, and clips onto vertical leg 78 (that protrudes downwardly from cap 4) on thestraight end 81, thereby maintaining a position of thecap 4 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase 6. -
FIG. 28 shows an isometric perspective view of acoil spring 10, according to an embodiment.Coil spring 10 may be replaced with a stack of Bellevue spring washers (conical spring washer, disc spring), or other elastic means for exerting a force in a direction. -
FIG. 29 shows an isometric perspective view of awasher 11, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 30 shows an isometric perspective view of adovetail clamp 9, according to an embodiment.Clamp 9 may include a generally-rectangular, extrudedmain body 41 with anun-threaded aperture 40 disposed through themain body 41; anangled ramp 46 disposed in a lower portion ofclamp 9; acurved wing 44 disposed at a bottom ofclamp 9; and anupper face 48 disposed at an upper portion ofclamp 9. The “dovetail” aspect ofclamp 9 is represented byangled ramp 46. -
FIG. 31 shows an isometric perspective view of adovetail clamp 9, according to an embodiment.Clamp 9 may include a generally-rectangular, extrudedmain body 41 with anun-threaded aperture 40 disposed through themain body 41; anangled ramp 46 disposed in a lower portion ofclamp 9; a curvedwing finger grip 44 disposed at a bottom ofclamp 9; and anupper face 48 disposed at an upper portion ofclamp 9. The “dovetail” aspect ofclamp 9 is represented byangled ramp 46, which may be angled at approximately 45°.Clamp 9 may further include a recessedrectangular portion 49, and a recessedshoulder 45 disposed inside of a larger-diameterouter aperture 42 that encompassesinner aperture 40. -
FIG. 32 shows a rotated elevation side view of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.Clamp 9 may include anaperture 40 and anangled ramp 46 and curvedwing finger grip 44. -
FIG. 33 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. B-B) a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.Clamp 9 may include a generally-rectangular, extrudedmain body 41 with anun-threaded aperture 40 disposed through themain body 41; anangled ramp 46 disposed in a lower portion ofclamp 9; a curvedwing finger grip 44 disposed at a bottom ofclamp 9; and anupper face 48 disposed at an upper portion ofclamp 9. The “dovetail” aspect ofclamp 9 is represented byangled ramp 46, which may be angled at approximately 45°.Clamp 9 may further include a recessedrectangular portion 49, and a recessedshoulder 45 disposed inside of a larger-diameterouter aperture 42 that encompassesinner aperture 40. An end ofcoil spring 10 is showed schematically disposed inouter aperture 42, resting on recessedshoulder 45. -
FIG. 34 shows a cross-section elevation side view (SEC. A-A) of a dovetail clamp, according to an embodiment.Clamp 9 further includes a recessedshoulder 45 disposed inside of a larger-diameterouter aperture 42 that encompassesinner aperture 40. An end ofcoil spring 10 is showed schematically disposed inouter aperture 42, sitting on recessedshoulder 45. -
FIG. 35 shows an isometric perspective view of abase 6, according to an embodiment.Base 6 may include an extruded main body with upperhorizontal portion 51 and lowerhorizontal portion 50;integral web portions base 6, and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side ofbase 6. Thesupport surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does. Ahorizontal groove 30 is disposed in-betweenledges aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).Un-threaded aperture 66 and threadedaperture 68 are disposed throughupper portion 51.Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically withun-threaded aperture 67 inlower portion 50.Base 6 further includes extendedsurface 56 and angled extendedsurface 57, which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58. A plurality ofcorrugations upper portion 51, facing outwardly from a center ofupper portion 51. Correspondinggrooves adjacent teeth Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-betweensolid portions hollow volumes web segments -
FIG. 36 shows an isometric perspective view of abase 6, according to an embodiment.Base 6 may include an extruded main body with upperhorizontal portion 51 and lowerhorizontal portion 50;integral web portions base 6, and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side ofbase 6. Thesupport surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does. Ahorizontal groove 30 is disposed in-betweenledges aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).Un-threaded aperture 66 and threadedaperture 68 are disposed throughupper portion 51.Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically withun-threaded aperture 67 inlower portion 50.Base 6 further includes extendedsurface 56 and angled extendedsurface 57, which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58. A plurality of protrudingcorrugations upper portion 51, facing outwardly from a center ofupper portion 51. Correspondinggrooves adjacent teeth Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-betweensolid portions hollow volumes web segments -
FIG. 37 shows an isometric perspective view of abase 6, according to an embodiment.Base 6 may include an extruded main body with upperhorizontal portion 51 and lowerhorizontal portion 50;integral web portions base 6, and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side ofbase 6. Thesupport surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does. Ahorizontal groove 30 is disposed in-betweenledges aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).Un-threaded aperture 66 and threadedaperture 68 are disposed throughupper portion 51.Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically withun-threaded aperture 67 inlower portion 50.Base 6 further includes extendedsurface 56 and angled extendedsurface 57, which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58. A plurality of parallel,horizontal corrugations upper portion 51, facing outwardly from a center ofupper portion 51. Correspondinggrooves adjacent teeth Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-betweensolid portions hollow volumes web segments -
FIG. 38A shows an elevation side view of a base, according to an embodiment.Base 6 includes an extruded main body with upperhorizontal portion 51 and lowerhorizontal portion 50;integral web portions base 6, and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side ofbase 6. Thesupport surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does. Ahorizontal groove 30 is disposed in-betweenledges aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).Un-threaded aperture 66 and threadedaperture 68 are disposed throughupper portion 51.Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically withun-threaded aperture 67 inlower portion 50.Base 6 further includes extendedsurface 56 and angled extendedsurface 57, which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58. A plurality ofcorrugations upper portion 51, facing outwardly from a center ofupper portion 51. Correspondinggrooves adjacent teeth Hollow volume 64 is disposed in-betweensolid portions hollow volumes web segments -
FIG. 38B shows an elevation side view of abase 6, according to an embodiment. In this view, catch-side tilted-upsupport ledge 58 acts as a cantilevered spring and deflects downwards when a solar panel 20 (not shown) is installed on the catch-side. This deflection is caused by a downwards force, F, that is applied toledge 58 bypanel 20. An equal, and opposite, restoring force (not shown) is applied upwards topanel 20 byspring ledge 58, which forcespanel 20 up against the overhanging clamping wing 74 (not shown) ofcap 4. -
FIG. 39 shows top view of abase 6, according to an embodiment.Base 6 includes an extruded main body with upperhorizontal portion 51 and lowerhorizontal portion 50;integral web portions base 6, and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side ofbase 6. Thesupport surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does. Ahorizontal groove 30 is disposed in-betweenledges aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).Un-threaded aperture 66 and threadedaperture 68 are disposed throughupper portion 51.Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically with threadedaperture 67 inlower portion 50.Base 6 further includes extendedsurface 56 and tiltedextended surface 57, which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58.Aperture 68 is offset to the catch-side from the center ofupper portion 51 of base 6 (wherein the center ofportion 51 is defined as the center ofaperture 66/67).Aperture 66 is slightly larger in diameter thanaperture 66 to ensure proper clearance.Corrugation 26 may be seen. -
FIG. 40 shows bottom view of abase 6, according to an embodiment.Base 6 includes an extruded main body with upperhorizontal portion 51 and lowerhorizontal portion 50;integral web portions base 6, and support surface (ledge) 58 on the catch-side ofbase 6. Thesupport surface 58 on the catch-side extends horizontally approximately twice as far as the secure-side support surface 52 does. Ahorizontal groove 30 is disposed in-betweenledges aperture 70 for receiving a bonding pin 2 (not shown).Un-threaded aperture 66 and threadedaperture 68 are disposed throughupper portion 51.Un-threaded aperture 66 in upper portion aligns vertically withun-threaded aperture 67 inlower portion 50.Base 6 further includes extendedsurface 56 and angled extendedsurface 57, which connect integrally to catch-side support surface 58.Aperture 68 is offset to the catch-side from the center ofupper portion 51 of base 6 (wherein the center ofportion 51 is defined as the center ofaperture 66/67).Aperture 67 is slightly smaller in diameter thanaperture 66. -
FIG. 41 shows an isometric perspective view of acap 4, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontalupper portion 82; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74; and integral (downwardly-protruding)vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, corrugations (teeth) 28, 28′, 28″ andcorresponding grooves leg 78. The size ofteeth 28 get progressively larger moving down theleg 78 towards the bottom ofleg 78.Cap 4 includes a pair of slottedapertures upper portion 82. One aperture aligns with clampingbolt 1, and the other aperture aligns withheight adjustment bolt 3, providing access to pass a tool through to rotatebolt 3. -
FIG. 42 shows an isometric perspective view of acap 4, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontalupper portion 82; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74; and integral (downwardly-protruding)vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 28, 28′, 28″ andcorresponding grooves leg 78. The size ofteeth 28 get progressively larger moving down theleg 78 towards the bottom ofleg 78.Cap 4 includes a pair of slottedapertures upper portion 82. One aperture aligns with clampingbolt 1, and the other aperture aligns withheight adjustment bolt 3, providing access to pass a tool through to rotatebolt 3. -
FIG. 43A shows an elevation side view of acap 4, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontalupper portion 82; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74; and integral (downwardly-protruding)vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 28, 28′, 28″ andcorresponding grooves leg 78. The size ofteeth 28 get progressively larger moving down theleg 78 towards the bottom ofleg 78.Recess 84 is disposed above upperhorizontal portion 82. Ends ofsolar panels -
FIG. 43B shows an elevation side view of acap 4, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontalupper portion 82; integral overhanging catch-side wing 76; integral overhanging secure-side wing 74; and integral (downwardly-protruding)vertical support leg 78 with a plurality of inwardly-facing, horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 28, 28′, 28″ andcorresponding grooves leg 78. The lower (clamping) surface of secure-side wing 74 is lower than (offset from) the lower (clamping) surface of catch-side 76 by a distance=d. Examples of the distance, d, may range from 1-3 mm. The purpose of the vertical offset distance “d” is to accommodate, and compensate for, the tiltedspring ledge 57/58 on the catch-side ofassembly 18. -
FIG. 44 shows a top view of acap 4, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontalupper portion 82; integral overhanging catch-side wing 74; integral overhanging secure-side wing 76; and integral (downwardly-protruding)vertical support leg 78.Cap 4 includes a pair of slottedapertures upper portion 82. One aperture aligns with clampingbolt 1, and the other aperture aligns withheight adjustment bolt 3, providing access to pass a tool through to rotatebolt 3. Slottedaperture 72 is slightly longer than slottedaperture 22. -
FIG. 45 shows an elevation front view of acap 4, according to an embodiment.Cap 4 includes an extruded body including a horizontalupper portion 82; integral overhanging catch-side wing 74; integral overhanging secure-side wing 76; and integral (downwardly-protruding)vertical support leg 78. Patent virtual marking, Unirac Part Number information, and conformation information may be included. However, in embodiments, such information may be omitted from thevertical support leg 78 and/or any other component. -
FIG. 46 shows an isometric perspective view of atower bracket 8, according to an embodiment.Tower 8 is an extruded body, including: a lowerhollow volume 96; and upperhollow volume 94; a lowerhorizontal portion 88 including alower aperture 90; an upperhorizontal portion 86 including anupper aperture 97; a pair of inwardly-facingwings hollow volumes integral sidewall 91 disposed to the left of lowerhollow volume 96; a second left-sideintegral sidewall 93 disposed to the left of upperhollow volume 94; an first right-sideintegral sidewall 90 disposed to the right of lowerhollow volume 96; a second right-sideintegral sidewall 92 disposed to the right of upperhollow volume 94; a right-side hook 104 and an inwardly-facingangled ramp 103; a smallhorizontal recess 105 disposed abovehook 104; an outwardly-extendingprotrusion 100 disposed on the left-side oftower 8; a downwardly-extendingprotrusion 102 disposed on the bottom left-hand corner oftower 8; and a threadedhorizontal aperture 106 disposed through the first left-side sidewall 91. The width oftower 8 is wider at its bottom than at its top. The horizontal distance between inwardly-facingwings height adjustment bolt 3 may pass through un-impeded. A thirdhollow volume 95 is disposed in-betweenwings -
FIG. 47 shows an isometric perspective view of atower bracket 8, according to an embodiment.Tower 8 is an extruded body, including: a lowerhollow volume 96; and upperhollow volume 94; a lowerhorizontal portion 88 including alower aperture 90; an upperhorizontal portion 86 including anupper aperture 97; a pair of inwardly-facingwings hollow volumes integral sidewall 91 disposed to the left of lowerhollow volume 96; a second left-sideintegral sidewall 93 disposed to the left of upperhollow volume 94; an first right-sideintegral sidewall 90 disposed to the right of lowerhollow volume 96; a second right-sideintegral sidewall 92 disposed to the right of upperhollow volume 94; a right-side hook 104 and an inwardly-facingangled ramp 103; a smallhorizontal recess 105 disposed abovehook 104; an outwardly-extendingprotrusion 100 disposed on the left-side oftower 8; a downwardly-extendingprotrusion 102 disposed on the bottom left-hand corner oftower 8; and a threadedhorizontal aperture 106 disposed through the first left-side sidewall 91. The width oftower 8 is wider at its bottom than at its top. The horizontal distance between inwardly-facingwings height adjustment bolt 3 may pass through un-impeded. A thirdhollow volume 95 is disposed in-betweenwings -
FIG. 48 shows an elevation side view of atower bracket 8, according to an embodiment.Tower 8 is an extruded body, including: a lowerhollow volume 96; and upperhollow volume 94; a lowerhorizontal portion 88 including alower aperture 99; an upperhorizontal portion 86 including anupper aperture 97; a pair of inwardly-facingwings hollow volumes integral sidewall 91 disposed to the left of lowerhollow volume 96; a second left-sideintegral sidewall 93 disposed to the left of upperhollow volume 94; a first right-sideintegral sidewall 90 disposed to the right of lowerhollow volume 96; a second right-sideintegral sidewall 92 disposed to the right of upperhollow volume 94; a right-side hook 104 and an inwardly-facingangled ramp 103; a smallhorizontal recess 105 disposed abovehook 104; an outwardly-extendingprotrusion 100 disposed on the left-side oftower 8; and a downwardly-extendingprotrusion 102 disposed on the bottom left-hand corner oftower 8. The width oftower 8 is wider at its bottom than at its top. The horizontal distance between inwardly-facingwings height adjustment bolt 3 may pass through un-impeded. A thirdhollow volume 95 is disposed in-betweenwings -
FIG. 49 shows a top view of atower bracket 8, according to an embodiment.Tower 8 includes an upperhorizontal portion 86 with acentral aperture 97 disposed therethrough, and a first right-sideintegral sidewall 90. -
FIG. 50 shows an elevation rear view of atower bracket 8, according to an embodiment.Tower 8 includes a first right-sideintegral sidewall 90, and a second right-sideintegral sidewall 92. -
FIG. 51 shows an isometric perspective view of anelectrical bonding pin 2, according to an embodiment.Pin 2, which may be made of stainless steel, is generally-cylindrical with a plurality of vertical knurlings (ridges and grooves) 112 disposed on an outer circumference ofsolid cylinder 110.Pin 2 is swaged intohole 70 in base 6 (seeFIG. 35 ). At the top ofcylinder 110 is ahorizontal disk 114 with a plurality ofsharp projections disk 114. The diameter ofdisk 114 is greater than the diameter ofcylinder 110. The plurality ofsharp projections cuts 118 around the cylindrical protrusion that leave the plurality ofsharp projections Sharp projections 116 may be ground to a sharp point or a sharp line (like a razor blade), as shown inFIGS. 51 and 52 .Sharp projections disk 114. -
FIG. 52 shows an elevation side view of anelectrical bonding pin 2, according to an embodiment.Pin 2, which may be made of stainless steel, is generally-cylindrical with a plurality of vertical knurlings (ridges and grooves) 112 disposed on an outer circumference ofsolid cylinder 110.Pin 2 is swaged intohole 70 in base 6 (seeFIG. 35 ). At the top ofcylinder 110 is ahorizontal disk 114 with a plurality ofsharp projections disk 114. The diameter ofdisk 114 is greater than the diameter ofcylinder 110. The plurality ofsharp projections cuts 118 around the cylindrical protrusion that leave the plurality ofsharp projections Sharp projections FIGS. 51 and 52 .Sharp projections disk 114. -
FIG. 53 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. In an embodiment, the assembly may include more than two clamping bolts and/or less than two clamping bolts. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair ofelectrical bonding pins 2 disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes through aperture inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 54 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 55 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 56 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 relative to clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 57 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 58 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 59A shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 140 to move up or down. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair of un-threaded apertures intower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 toslider channel 14 whenbolt 12 is tightened.Cap 130 further includes a pair of slottedapertures height adjustment bolt 3 throughapertures height adjustment bolt 3. -
FIG. 59B shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment. In such an embodiment, the pair of slottedapertures single slot 133 that goes across the entire distance in-betweenprevious apertures -
FIG. 60 shows an isometric perspective view of a slidingnut 150, according to an embodiment. Slidingnut 150 includes an extrudedbody 154, including a threadedaperture 152, and a pair of overhangingwings corners -
FIG. 61 shows an isometric perspective view of a slidingnut 150, according to an embodiment. Slidingnut 150 includes an extrudedbody 154, including a threadedaperture 152, and a pair of overhangingwings corners -
FIG. 62 shows an elevation end view of a slidingnut 150, according to an embodiment. Slidingnut 150 includes an extrudedbody 154, including a threadedaperture 152, and a pair of overhangingwings corners -
FIG. 63 shows an isometric perspective view of anextended base 140, according to an embodiment.Base 140 includes an extruded body including a pair of threadedapertures bolts apertures bolt 3 is located within). All four apertures are disposed in an upperhorizontal portion 146.Base 140 further includes an upper horizontalhollow volume 170, and a lower horizontalhollow volume 172 that is open on its bottom end.Base 140 further includes a pair ofholes -
FIG. 64 shows an elevation end view of anextended base 140, according to an embodiment.Base 140 includes an extruded body including a pair of threadedapertures bolts apertures bolt 3 is located within). All four apertures are disposed in an upperhorizontal portion 146.Base 140 further includes an upper horizontalhollow volume 170, and a lower horizontalhollow volume 172 that is open on its bottom end. Lower horizontalhollow volume 172 includes a pair ofrecesses bottom shoulders -
FIG. 65 shows an elevation end view of anextended base 140, according to an embodiment. Lower horizontalhollow volume 172 includes a pair ofrecesses bottom shoulders nut 150 to slide freely in the slot 172)Wings nut 150 rest onshoulders base 140. In other words,wings recesses base 140. Slidingnut 150 has a threadedaperture 152. -
FIG. 66 shows top view of anextended base 140, according to an embodiment.Base 140 includes an extruded body including a pair of threadedapertures bolts apertures bolt 3 is located within).Base 140 further includes a pair ofholes -
FIG. 67 shows an elevation side view of anextended base 140, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 68 shows an isometric perspective view of anextended cap 130, according to an embodiment.Extended cap 130 includes an extruded body, including a horizontalupper portion 135, an integral overhanging secure-side wing 138 and an integral overhanging catch-side wing 139, an integralvertical support leg 132, and a plurality of inwardly-facing corrugations (teeth) 28, 28′ (withcorresponding grooves 29 disposed in-betweenadjacent teeth Cap 130 includes four slotted apertures:apertures height adjustment bolt 3 with a hexagonal tool; andapertures clamping bolt Cap 130 further includes arecess 84 disposed in-between the pair ofwings -
FIG. 69 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 70 shows an elevation side view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 71 shows a top view of an extended cap, according to an embodiment.Cap 130 includes four slotted apertures:apertures height adjustment bolt 3 with a hexagonal tool; andapertures clamping bolt -
FIG. 72 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 190, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 73 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 190, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 74 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 190, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 75 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mounting assembly, according to an embodiment. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 76 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 77 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 includes a pair of electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ disposed in ahorizontal groove 30.Height adjustment bolt 3 passes throughaperture 66 inbase 140, and engages threaded slidingnut 150. Clampingbolts apertures base 140. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 78 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Slidingnut 150, with aperture 153 forheight adjustment bolt 3, is disposed inside of slot (channel) 172 ofbase 140. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. -
FIG. 79 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Base 140 andtower bracket sub-assembly 8 are removed for clarity.Extended cap 130 is shown, along withheight adjustment bolt 3, slidingnut 150,spring clip 5 and clampingbolts -
FIG. 80 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable mountingassembly 120, according to an embodiment.Assembly 120 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and anextended base 140. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and the base 140 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth.Base 140 is removed for clarity. Rotation ofbolt 3 about its longitudinal axis causes base 6 to move up or down. Slidingnut 150 is prevented from rotating (whenbolt 3 is rotated) bybase 140. The lower end ofheight adjustment bolt 3 is held by a pair ofun-threaded apertures tower bracket 8. Collar/jam nut 7 allowsbolt 3 to rotate freely, but preventsbolt 3 from lifting up out oftower 8 due to wind loads.Dovetail clamp 9,spring 10,washer 11, andhorizontal attachment bolt 12 clamps tower 8 to slider channel 14 (not shown) whenbolt 12 is tightened. -
FIG. 81 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less,indexable splice assembly 200, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. In an embodiment, thesplice assembly 200 may omit a height adjustment bolt. However, in an embodiment, thesplice assembly 200 may include a height adjustment bolt and/or other mechanisms for adjusting the height of thesplice assembly 200. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 82 shows an exploded isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 83 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 84 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 85 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 86 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 and thebase splice 210 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 87 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes a pair of clampingbolts extended cap 130 and abase splice 210. Spring clips 5, 5′ clip onto clampingbolts cap 130 against the clampingbolt 1 by forcing engagement of the indexable teeth. Electrical bonding pins 2, 2′ are disposed ingroove 30 ofbase splice 210 on the secure-side. Athird clamping bolt 1″, is added to the middle ofsplice assembly 200 increase strength and stability of the splicedpanel assembly 200. -
FIG. 88 shows a detailed elevation end view (Detail “C”) of an extended, rail-less, indexable splice assembly, according to an embodiment. Horizontalupper portion 212 ofbase splice 210 includes a plurality of corrugations (teeth) 26, 26′ andcorresponding grooves 27 disposed in-between adjacent teeth. Likewise,vertical leg 78 includes a plurality of corrugations (teeth) 28, 28′ andcorresponding grooves 29 disposed in-between adjacent teeth. The height, H, of the solar panel frame thickness may be easily adjusted by (1) dis-engaging the upper set ofteeth teeth base splice 210corrugations vertical leg 78corrugations spring clip 5 exerts a restoring force on thebase splice 210 and thevertical leg 78. For example, thebase splice 210 and thevertical leg 78 may be separated by a force exerted on them (e.g., an installer separating them by hand and/or other means) and once that force is removed from thebase splice 210 and/or thevertical leg 78 thespring clip 5 exerts a restoring force on the base splice and the vertical leg to reengage the corresponding corrugations. -
FIG. 89 shows an elevation end view of an extended, rail-less,indexable base splice 210, according to an embodiment.Base splice 210 includes an extruded body, including: a horizontalupper portion 212 connected to secure-side support ledges side support ledges upper portion 212 ofbase splice 210 includes a plurality of outwardly-facing horizontal, parallel corrugations (teeth) 26, 26′ andcorresponding grooves 27 disposed in-between adjacent teeth.Base splice 210 further includes ahorizontal bottom portion 226 that is integrally connected to sidewalls 224, 224′ (which may be vertical, or slightly splayed outwards or inwards); thereby forming an enclosure with a horizontal hollowinterior volume 222.Sidewall 224′ is connected tohorizontal portion 218; andsidewall 224 is connected tohorizontal portion 220.Base splice 210 may be open at both ends. -
FIG. 90 shows an isometric perspective view of an extended, rail-less,indexable base splice 210, according to an embodiment.Base splice 210 includes three threaded apertures: 240, 240′, 240″, which engage with three clampingbolts Groove 30 includes a pair ofholes bonding pins interior volume 222 is noted. -
FIG. 91 shows an elevation side view of an extended, rail-less, indexablebase splice assembly 200, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes: anextended cap 130 that is clamped to abase splice 210 by three clampingbolts spring clips -
FIG. 92 shows an elevation backside view of an extended, rail-less,indexable splice assembly 200, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes: anextended cap 130 that is clamped to abase splice 210 by three clampingbolts spring clips -
FIG. 93 shows a top view of an extended, rail-less,indexable splice assembly 200, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes: anextended cap 130 that is clamped to abase splice 210 by three clampingbolts spring clips bonding pins -
FIG. 94 shows of an isometric perspective extended, rail-less,indexable splice assembly 200, according to an embodiment.Assembly 200 includes: anextended cap 130 that is clamped to abase splice 210 by three clampingbolts spring clips bonding pins - In embodiments, an attachment mechanism may include a tower with a clamp that is urged (biased) towards the center of the tower. A latching clamp allows the clamp+tower sub-assembly to be “Clicked-On” (i.e., latched) to a rigid bar (called a “slider bar”, “slider channel”, or simply “slider”) that is lag screwed to a roof or other support substrate. The tower, with a hook on one side, is mounted on the slider in a three-step process. First, the tower is hooked-on to one side of the slider by engaging the hook with a first lip (flange) of the slider. Then, in
step 2, the tower is rotated down and then “Clicked-On” to the slider by automatically pushing (sliding) the clamp outwards sufficiently far so as to clear the opposite (second) lip of the slider. Once the tower has been “Clicked-On” and loosely attached to the slider (held, for example, by a spring force, and the tower attached by the action of interlocking surfaces), the tower may be easily slid by hand along the length of the slider to adjust its position North/South along the slider. The clamp's bias mechanism (which may be a coil spring, for example) provides sufficient force, and the design of the interlocking surfaces of the clamp+tower/slider assembly, is sufficiently strong, so as to make the assembly substantially-resistant to accidental release (such as accidental contact with an installer's foot, safety ropes hanging on the roof, etc.). Finally, instep 3, the clamp's fastener is tightened (torqued) tight, which permanently locks the tower onto the slider bar. - The tower itself may be coupled (attached) to any type of solar panel mounting structure or mechanism that is capable of holding (mounting) one or more solar panels. In particular, such a solar panel mounting structure may include a height-adjustable mechanism, which may be adjusted with a tool before, or after, the solar panels have been mounted. Note: the clamp+tower sub-assembly may be easily removed by releasing the clamp fastener (bolt), and then simply pulling back on the biased clamp and rotating the clamp+tower subassembly back off of the slider, and finally disengaging the tower's hook from the slider.
-
FIG. 95A-D shows elevation side views of an installation sequence of a Click-On attachment mechanism 3, according to an embodiment. -
FIG. 95A shows an initially skewed position (θ=20°), wheretower 116 is hooked ontoslider 118, according to an embodiment. Here, asymmetric tower (stanchion) 116 has been hooked ontoslider bar 118 by engagingnotch 127 oftower hook 122 withslider lip 129′ of angled (tapered/slanted)slider flange 124′. Tapered (slanted)flanges FIG. 95A , thelower flange 132 ofclamp 126 is resting on top of the upper surface ofslider 118, and clampfastener 128 is in a backed-out (not-tightened) position, wheredovetail clamp 126 is free to slide (translate) back and forth alonghorizontal fastener 128, urged forward byspring 130. In such an embodiment, upper solarpanel mounting bracket 112 and lower solarpanel mounting bracket 114 are attached to tower 116.Solar panel fastener 113 may be used to compressupper bracket 112 andlower bracket 114 together so as to mount and securely hold one or more solar panels (not shown) to tower 116 at a later stage in the installation process. Additionally, and/or alternatively, in an embodiment, the upper andlower brackets solar panel fastener 113 may be eliminated.FIG. 95A also illustratesopen volumes roof surface 120, ahollow volume 125, and aflat washer 182, all of which are further mentioned below. -
FIG. 95B shows an elevation view of an embodiment of the click-ontower assembly 110 in an attached position onslider 118. When thetower assembly 110 is rotated towards the horizontal position,dovetail clamp 126 is pushed back (outwards) by sliding of angledlower flange 132 againstleft lip 129 of slider 118 (thereby compressing spring 130) to increase the clearance around theslider lip 129. Then, mountingassembly 110 is rotated to the horizontal position (θ=0°), whereupon thelower flange 132 clears theleft lip 129 and dovetail clamp 126 is released, which causesdovetail clamp 126 to snap back into a latched position by action ofspring 130. This action causes an audible “clicking” sound whendovetail clamp 126 forcefully contacts angledface 124 ofslider 118. Spring 30 (which may be a coil spring, stacked Bellevue washers, angled tab(s), leaf spring, elastic band, or any other elastic means for biasing/urging) has sufficient strength so that the clicked-on (attached)assembly 110 may withstand gravity loads and minor installation forces (such as interference with safety ropes), which is substantially resistant to accidental release.Flat washer 182 is placed betweenspring 130 and the head ofhorizontal fastener 128. Additionally, indicated inFIG. 22B are theopen volumes roof surface 120, and thehollow volume 125. -
FIG. 95C shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-ontower assembly 110 in a clamped and locked position onslider 118. Here,horizontal clamp fastener 128 has been tightened and torqued to a level of torque sufficient to securely and permanently clamp (attach)tower 116 toslider 118. In an embodiment, the angle ofmating surface 121 ofhook 122 matches the corresponding angle of the right-side mating surface 124′ ofslider 118; and the angle of mating surface or slanted face 610 ofdovetail clamp 126 matches the corresponding angle of leftside mating surface 124 ofslider 118. Both of these two angles may be 45°, for example.Horizontal clamp fastener 128 may be a cap-headed bolt (e.g., cap screw) with a hexagonal socket drive.Horizontal fastener 128 may also have an unthreaded (smooth) proximal portion near the cap-head end, to make it easier fordovetail clamp 126 to slide onhorizontal bolt 128 during installation. In an embodiment, initial installation (i.e., clicking-on) of the clamp+tower sub-assembly ontoslider 118 inFIGS. 95A and 95B is a “tool-less” operation that doesn't require any tools to accomplish. In an embodiment, pulling back ofclamp 126 by hand is not necessary becauseclamp 26 automatically retracts and slides when the sub-assembly is hooked-on and rotated down into the horizontal position. Furthermore,slider 118 includes a pair ofbottom flanges open volume 115, theroof surface 120, and thehollow volume 125 are also indicated inFIG. 95C . -
FIG. 95D shows a zoomed-in elevation view of an embodiment of a click-ontower sub-assembly 110 in an attached position on aslider 118. In this enlarged view, details of the clamp joint may be seen. In particular, the lower left corner oftower 116 includes a small protrusion (alignment lip) 152 which sticks out below thelower surface 181 oftower 116. Whentower 116 is loosely attached toslider 118 via spring-loadeddovetail clamp 126, the purpose oflip 152 is to provide good alignment oftower 116 relative toslider 118, and to prevent rotation out-of-plane oftower 116 relative toslider 118, beforehorizontal fastener 128 may be tightened tight. The tapered or slantedslider flange 124, theslider lip 129, and aflange 180 to be discussed later are also indicated inFIG. 95D . -
FIG. 96A shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-ontower sub-assembly 3 in a skewed position next to aslider 118.Slider 118,tower 116, and dovetail clamp 126 may be made as machined or extruded items, which may be made from aluminum or aluminum alloys (which may be anodized black). Theopen volumes 115 and 17, onebottom flange 119, thetower hook 122, theflanges hollow volume 125, thehorizontal clamp fastener 128, thelip 129, thespring 130, thelower flange 132 of thedovetail clamp 126, and theflat washer 182 are also indicated inFIG. 96A . -
FIG. 96B shows an elevation view of an embodiment of a click-ontower assembly 3 in an attached position on aslider 118. Theopen volumes tower 116, theslider 118, onebottom flange 119, thetower hook 122, the tapered or slantedflanges hollow volume 125, thedovetail clamp 126, thehorizontal bolt 128, thespring 130, thelower flange 132, and theflat washer 182 are also indicated inFIG. 96B . -
FIG. 97 shows an isometric perspective view of ananti-rotation clip 300, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, theanti-rotation clip 300 prevents the base (element 6 inFIG. 1 ) from rotating with respect to the tower bracket (element 8 inFIG. 1 ) and the slider (element 14 inFIG. 1 ). For example, in the embodiment shown, ananti-rotation clip 300 may include atab 302 that is shaped such that thetab 302 may be inserted into the base. The anti-rotation 300 clip may include twoclips element 3 inFIG. 1 ). Theanti-rotation clip 300 may further include twou-shaped tabs 308 that are configured to engage the tower bracket (element 8 inFIG. 1 ). Additionally, in an embodiment, theanti-rotation clip 300 may include a scored or otherwise relaxedsection 310 that extends across the breadth of the connecting segment between the twoclips relaxed section 310 may be formed by a reduced thickness of the material, scoring, or a change in material composition. In general, therelaxed section 310 allows theanti-rotation clip 300 to flex to a suitable degree, and may assist in the attachment process when connecting theclip 300 to thebolt 3. Further, in an embodiment, as described for example, when thetab 302 engages the base, the twoclips height adjustment bolt 3, and the twou-shaped tabs 308 engage the tower bracket, theanti-rotation clip 300 prevents the base from moving relative to the tower bracket and the slider. -
FIG. 98 depicts multiple views of theanti-rotation clip 300 from various directions including:top view 300A, isometric topfront view 300B, isometric bottomfront view 300C,front view 300D,side view 300E, backview 300F, andbottom view 300G. - Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed herein as illustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.
Claims (10)
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US16/837,946 US11290053B2 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2020-04-01 | Solar panel mounting apparatus |
US17/702,374 US12021481B2 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2022-03-23 | Solar panel mounting apparatus |
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US201962827625P | 2019-04-01 | 2019-04-01 | |
US16/837,946 US11290053B2 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2020-04-01 | Solar panel mounting apparatus |
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US17/702,374 Continuation US12021481B2 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2022-03-23 | Solar panel mounting apparatus |
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US17/702,374 Active US12021481B2 (en) | 2019-04-01 | 2022-03-23 | Solar panel mounting apparatus |
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Also Published As
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US12021481B2 (en) | 2024-06-25 |
US11290053B2 (en) | 2022-03-29 |
US20220216821A1 (en) | 2022-07-07 |
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